Elementary students used Legos to learn about diesel engines

Thurston Elementary School students learned about the science behind diesel engines by building models of them out of Legos.

Posted: Mar 7, 2018 6:06 PM

Updated: Mar 7, 2018 6:09 PM

Posted By: Spencer Guimont

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Fifth graders at Thurston Elementary School built model diesel engines out of Legos as a part of the Diesel Days program.

Cummins Diesel’s program teaches students the science behind four-stroke diesel engines. Students worked in pairs, using a Lego kit and instructions to build the model engines.

The same students, then fourth graders, attended the event in 2017. At this year's event, the students picking up where it left off.

Thurston Elementary School teacher Curtis Crosswhite brought the program to students more than three years ago after a parent suggested it.

The program is a great way for elementary students to receive hands-on exposure to career technical education. It shows students that there are a variety of career opportunities in the diesel engine industry. Some of those jobs include being a mechanic, a salesperson, an engineer or a parts person.